The inhibiting activity of areca inflorescence extracts on human low density lipoprotein oxidation induced by cupric ion

Abstract

The oxidative modification of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a significant role in atherosclerosis. In this study, the inhibiting activity of areca inflorescence extracts (AIEs) on LDL oxidation was investigated by an in vitro study with Trolox as the standard antioxidant. The kinetics of LDL oxidation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay and copper chelation assay were also evaluated to assess the antioxidant activities of AIEs, and the results revealed that AIEs could delay the lag time and inhibit the formation of malondialdehyde in the process of LDL peroxidation induced by Cu²⁺. The boiled water extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity compared with the ambient water extract and ethanol extract. The total phenolic contents and phenolic components of AIEs were also measured by high performance liquid chromatography method. Epicatechin, gallic acid and coumalic acid were the primary phenolic acids in AIEs.

Keywords::

• lipid peroxidation
• human LDL
• areca inflorescence extracts
• cupric ion

Declaration of interest: This work was supported by Hainan Natural Science Foundation (project No. 310101) and Hainan Key Scientific and Technological Projects (project No. 090138), respectively. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.